United States Marine Corps signs four-year contract with Saft for Li-ion military vehicle engine starting batteries

Saft signed a four-year contract, worth up to $20 million, to supply high-energy and high-power lithium-ion (Liion) batteries to be demonstrated in military ground vehicles for engine start power and energy for extended silent watch missions. Saft has a wealth of experience in the defense industry as a supplier of battery systems for emergency back-up lighting, engine starting and other auxiliary systems.

Based on this heritage, Saft’s Li-ion batteries were selected for demonstration in military vehicles. The USMC IBS program was funded to demonstrate advanced chemistries to replace existing 6TL standard lead acid military vehicle starting batteries. “The IBS program shows a commitment from the Marine Corps to demonstrate advanced technology to improve existing platforms and we’re thrilled to be selected as a technology partner,” said Thomas Alcide, general manager of Saft’s Specialty Battery Group. “This program allows us to apply Saft’s advanced Li-ion technology to an existing battery platform, and we are confident that we will be able to improve its capabilities and bring additional value to the enduser. The order could open a large market for replacing existing 6TL standard lead acid batteries with Saft’s Li-ion batteries.”